Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 79%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a client who can bear weight on only one leg how to ambulate using crutches. Which of the following crutch gaits should the nurse plan to instruct this client to use?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Three-point gait. This gait is suitable for a client who can bear weight on only one leg. In a three-point gait, the client advances both crutches and the affected leg together, then swings the unaffected leg forward. This minimizes weight-bearing on the affected leg while providing stability.
A: Two-point gait involves advancing both crutches followed by advancing both legs, which requires the client to bear weight on both legs simultaneously.
B: Four-point gait involves moving one crutch, followed by the opposite leg, then the other crutch, and finally the other leg. This is not ideal for a client who can bear weight on only one leg.
C: Swing-through gait involves advancing both crutches followed by swinging both legs forward simultaneously, which may not be suitable for a client with weight-bearing limitations.
In summary, the three-point gait is the most appropriate choice as it allows the client to ambulate safely while minimizing
A: Two-point gait involves advancing both crutches followed by advancing both legs, which requires the client to bear weight on both legs simultaneously.
B: Four-point gait involves moving one crutch, followed by the opposite leg, then the other crutch, and finally the other leg. This is not ideal for a client who can bear weight on only one leg.
C: Swing-through gait involves advancing both crutches followed by swinging both legs forward simultaneously, which may not be suitable for a client with weight-bearing limitations.
In summary, the three-point gait is the most appropriate choice as it allows the client to ambulate safely while minimizing